Kämper Project 150
“Kämper Project 150” is our guideline for a successful, sustainable future. By our 150th anniversary in 2038, we want to further expand our role as an innovative problem solver in metal processing. The focus is on technological solutions, responsible action, the development of our employees and open communication - for the highest quality and cooperation based on partnership.
Vision
Wilh. Kämper - globally active innovative problem solver for highly complex customer challenges in metal processing with sustainable corporate management!
Mission - “We are asked first”
INNOVATIVE PARTNER - First choice for innovative solutions
COMPETENT PROBLEM SOLVER - Appreciated by our customers for our expertise and problem-solving skills
ACCEPTING CHALLENGES - Taking on problems actively and courageously
SMART FACTORY - Fully digitalized and networked processes
CLIMATE EUTRALITY - Taking responsibility for a climate-neutral future
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES - Creating opportunities as a team
Corporate culture - Values
FLAT HIERARCHIES - cooperation at eye level
COMMUNICATION - transparent and open
AGILITY - reacting flexibly and quickly to changes
SUSTAINABILITY - acting responsibly
TEAM - department
STRONG NETWORK - expanding and maintaining relationships with customers, suppliers and partners
RESPONSIBILITY - towards people, processes and functions
HONESTY - OPENNESS - CONNECTIVITY
ERROR CULTURE - seeking solutions and seeing and using learning opportunities
Our history
>> What others find too difficult, too complicated, too tricky,
what they deliberately ignore, that's exactly what we do <<
Company founder Wilhelm Kämper 1888
1990 - 2011
In May 1990, Thomas Müchler joined the company as the fourth generation of the family. He became managing director in August 1991 and took over the position of managing partner in April 1992.
Particularly noteworthy is the strategic focus on supplying the automotive supply industry with technically complex wire bending parts, which has emerged as an important pillar for the company. This development has contributed significantly to strengthening the company's competitive position and ensuring its sustainable growth.
A decisive milestone for Wilh. Kämper came in December 1998, when the company, despite its modest size with 37 employees, successfully completed quality certification according to DIN ISO 9002, QS 9000, and VDA 6.1 simultaneously and at the first attempt. These awards underscore the company's commitment to the highest quality standards.
2011 - heute
In September 2013, Wilh. Kämper GmbH u. Co KG proudly celebrated its 125th anniversary in its newly constructed logistics hall, a symbolic expression of the family business's continuity, innovation, and resilience.
In January 2021, Yanik Müchler joined the family business as a representative of the fifth generation. He was followed by Sven Müchler, who completed the fifth generation of the company in August 2021.
1888 - 1907
In 1888, Wilhelm Kämper, born on 31 August 1864, acquired a mill in Lüdenscheid's Rahmedetal. Here he founded the company ‘Wilhelm Kämper, Oberrahmede’ as a factory owner. The decision in favour of this location was significantly influenced by the water power of the Rahmede and the connection to the narrow-gauge railway ‘Schnurre’ between Altena and Lüdenscheid through the Rahmedetal.
The beginnings of the company were characterised by the production of the ‘piano hook with eye’. This historic item continued to be manufactured until the end of the 20th century due to sustained demand. Wilhelm Kämper died in Oberrahmede on 24 December 1907 at the age of just 43.
1907 - 1968
Walter Kämper, born on 25 December 1895 in Oberrahmede, was 12 years old when his father died. On 2 January 1919, he took over responsibility for the family business as the second generation.
During his leadership, he experienced challenges such as the inflation of 1923 and the turbulence of the Second World War. Despite these turbulent times, Walter Kämper managed to run the company successfully.
In 1963, Wilhelm Kämper celebrated its 75th anniversary, a significant milestone in the company's history.
The dedicated manufacturer passed away at the age of 73 on 9 August 1968, leaving behind a significant part of the family tradition as well as shaping the development of the company.
1968 - 1990
Friedrich Wilhelm Kämper, the only son of Walter Kämper, born on 1 February 1925, like many of his generation, did not return home after the Second World War.
After Walter Kämper's death, his wife Elly Kämper, born Dresel, continued to run the business. It was not until April 1977 that a cross-generational transition took place, when niece Hannelore Müchler and nephew Wilhelm Richard Kämper joined the company in equal shares.
Wilhelm Richard Kämper took over the management of the local business. Hannelore Müchler, based in Mülheim an der Ruhr, acted in the role of wife and mother, maintaining contact with the company. Through her responsibility for payroll accounting, she maintained regular contact with the employees.
1990 - 2011
In May 1990, Thomas Müchler joined the company as the fourth generation of the family. He became managing director in August 1991 and took over the position of managing partner in April 1992.
Particularly noteworthy is the strategic focus on supplying the automotive supply industry with technically complex wire bending parts, which has emerged as an important pillar for the company. This development has contributed significantly to strengthening the company's competitive position and ensuring its sustainable growth.
A decisive milestone for Wilh. Kämper came in December 1998, when the company, despite its modest size with 37 employees, successfully completed quality certification according to DIN ISO 9002, QS 9000, and VDA 6.1 simultaneously and at the first attempt. These awards underscore the company's commitment to the highest quality standards.
2011 - heute
In September 2013, Wilh. Kämper GmbH u. Co KG proudly celebrated its 125th anniversary in its newly constructed logistics hall, a symbolic expression of the family business's continuity, innovation, and resilience.
In January 2021, Yanik Müchler joined the family business as a representative of the fifth generation. He was followed by Sven Müchler, who completed the fifth generation of the company in August 2021.
1888 - 1907
In 1888, Wilhelm Kämper, born on 31 August 1864, acquired a mill in Lüdenscheid's Rahmedetal. Here he founded the company ‘Wilhelm Kämper, Oberrahmede’ as a factory owner. The decision in favour of this location was significantly influenced by the water power of the Rahmede and the connection to the narrow-gauge railway ‘Schnurre’ between Altena and Lüdenscheid through the Rahmedetal.
The beginnings of the company were characterised by the production of the ‘piano hook with eye’. This historic item continued to be manufactured until the end of the 20th century due to sustained demand. Wilhelm Kämper died in Oberrahmede on 24 December 1907 at the age of just 43.
1907 - 1968
Walter Kämper, born on 25 December 1895 in Oberrahmede, was 12 years old when his father died. On 2 January 1919, he took over responsibility for the family business as the second generation.
During his leadership, he experienced challenges such as the inflation of 1923 and the turbulence of the Second World War. Despite these turbulent times, Walter Kämper managed to run the company successfully.
In 1963, Wilhelm Kämper celebrated its 75th anniversary, a significant milestone in the company's history.
The dedicated manufacturer passed away at the age of 73 on 9 August 1968, leaving behind a significant part of the family tradition as well as shaping the development of the company.
1968 - 1990
Friedrich Wilhelm Kämper, the only son of Walter Kämper, born on 1 February 1925, like many of his generation, did not return home after the Second World War.
After Walter Kämper's death, his wife Elly Kämper, born Dresel, continued to run the business. It was not until April 1977 that a cross-generational transition took place, when niece Hannelore Müchler and nephew Wilhelm Richard Kämper joined the company in equal shares.
Wilhelm Richard Kämper took over the management of the local business. Hannelore Müchler, based in Mülheim an der Ruhr, acted in the role of wife and mother, maintaining contact with the company. Through her responsibility for payroll accounting, she maintained regular contact with the employees.
